Tributes were paid to volunteer members of Mayo RNLI at the annual RNLI Ireland awards which took place at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin in recent days.
At the event, Declan Long, treasurer of the Ballina branch, was presented with a Bronze Badge, with tributes paid to him for his ‘meticulous record keeping’ and for his honest and trustworthy character.
Frank Sheridan, chairman of Ballina branch since its inception as well as box secretary, also received a Bronze Badge with tributes paid to him for his ‘unwavering support of the Ballyglass Lifeboat and all the team at Ballyglass.’
One special award was given to the community of Inishbofin for their years of support for the charity. They beat communities from all over the UK and Ireland to receive the special bronzed RNLI Supporter Award.
RNLI Irish council member Peter Crowley thanked volunteers for their continued support stating: “This is about honouring our volunteers. The awards are a small token for years of service and support to a charity that has always had at its heart one aim; to save lives at sea. I wish to thank all the awardees for their unfailing support and dedication in continuing to raise funds and to support our volunteer crews.”
Guest of honour, RTE's Bryan Dobson added: “There would be no lifeboats or lifeboat crews without the fundraisers and station volunteers. You are all making a difference.”
